Following on from the release of his much-loved single 'Hurt Me' earlier this year, UK-based singer and songwriter Jonny Morgan recently returned with a brand new tale of lost love on his wonderful offering 'Sarah'.
Telling the story of reconnecting with a childhood sweetheart shortly before she moved to the other side of the world, 'Sarah' is a wonderfully warm and heartfelt release from the frontman. With its sweet and tender atmosphere coupled with his bold and vibrant vocals, this new jam is a true standout of his catalogue to date.
So with this new delight on repeat right now for us, we decided to find out more about the emerging frontman to find out exactly how he got to this point in his career.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Probably no surprise but my first obsession was with a guitar. I was bought a copy of Highway To Hell when I was 6ish (weird gift?!) and then I just became obsessed with AC/DC and Angus Young in particular. I wanted a cherry red Gibson SG pretty much from day one.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
Well, you don't have to dig too deep through my music to soon realise they're mostly about love, feelings and relationships (and how they usually go wrong). I am a massive fan of country/roots music with the tales of torment and heartbreak over simple cowboy chords. Writing is a cathartic exercise for me and my inspiration to do so comes naturally from my want to express my feelings in the way I do best.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
'Dad rock'...I was that kid that wore Led Zeppelin T shirts on every 'none school uniform' day. It's a wonder I didn't have more friends?!
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
I remember stumbling across 'Ray Lamontagne - Live from the Artists Den' on the TV. One man singing with so much emotion over 3 chords had me in fits of tears. This was my first experience of 'acoustic music' as such. I went from wanting to shred on an electric guitar to only wanting to be a songwriter like Ray. I bought my first ever acoustic a few days later and that was it (I also bought a harmonica and a neck brace but I'm still working on that bit!).
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
Music never goes off in my apartment, there's always something on in the background. I'll listen to anything in the morning, it doesn't have to be super chilled and there's nothing like a bit of 'Dad Rock' to get you going.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
All of them! I apologise profusely to all ex's affected...
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
Last summer, I played a Sofar Sounds show in Lisbon. I had no idea at the time, but the show fell on June 10th which was a celebration weekend in Portugal. The show was on a rooftop packed with hundreds of people all drinking like fishes (myself included). It was one of those moments where you stop and realise how cool this music life can be. Thinking about it now makes me desperate to be able to go out and play shows again.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
I'm massively into sports and drinking - the two go hand-in-hand pretty well. I'm also really into fitness, not to be super in shape or anything, but just to nullify the booze. Should I see someone?
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
I honestly have no idea... I've never been very good at being told what to do, so that pretty much rules me out of most jobs. Maybe I'd start my own Gin business - no one has thought of that yet, right?!
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to stay productive through the coronavirus lockdown?
Not sure if I'm the perfect person to answer this question as I now have a target of no booze before 1pm, which I'm struggling with! I did go out and buy a budget recording set up to make demos at home which has helped me to be creative, but I think the most important thing is to try not to punish yourself if you're not productive throughout this bizarre time. Inspiration comes in many forms, but not being able to leave your house apart from an hour's exercise isn't all that inspiring. However, if you've been looking for time to write now is the time, because it doesn't look like we'll be able to play live for a while. And on that positive note!
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Jonny Morgan's new single 'Sarah' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.